Cutting-edge guide technology, enhanced rigidity, and increased guide load capacity for greater loads within the same installation space – these are the characteristics of the new ELGD axis series from Festo. Moreover, robust drive components provide substantial feed forces and accelerations to achieve reduced cycle times and an extended service life. A stainless steel cover strip is smooth on the outside and prevents any particle formation. This renders the drives in the axis family perfect for applications in cleanrooms.
Due to these characteristics, the ELGD axis family featuring the ELGD-BS spindle drive and ELGD-TB toothed belt drive is perfect for progressive industries like renewable energy, electric vehicle production, battery manufacturing, and the semiconductor sector. The ELGD axes rank among the most sturdy axes available. Utilizing the dispensing station as an example, the uniquely designed guide concept allows for precise and dynamic movement of the dispensing head. Attachments weighing up to 20 kg can be mounted on the Y-axis
Innovative stainless steel cover strip solution
The non-abrasive properties and clean surface protect workpieces from particles. This means that they can even be used in clean rooms. Conversely, less dirt penetrates the axles, making them suitable for use in harsh environmental conditions.
Replacement for Scara robots – especially for larger work areas
When used in cantilever systems and pick-and-place solutions for handling small parts, the ELGD axes excel with short cycle times, high precision and repeat accuracy. In handling systems for top loaders, users appreciate the cost-performance ratio and the high travel speed, especially for long strokes. With these properties, they can be used as a replacement for Scara robots and also offer a significantly larger workspace. In 3D printing and additive manufacturing, for example, it is crucial that the axes perform virtually vibration-free and very dynamic movements and are also resistant to harsh environmental conditions.
The ELGD-BS and ELGD-BS-WD spindle axes offer a maximum stroke of up to 2.5 meters with their durable and high-precision recirculating ball screw. The motor position can be selected as axial or parallel. The ELGD-TB and ELGD-TB-WD toothed belt axes offer virtually vibration-free carriage movement and a maximum stroke of up to 8.5 meters. Steel tension members reinforce the toothed belts made of different polyurethanes. The motor position at the end of the axis can be freely selected and can also be retrofitted.
Predictive maintenance
Another aspect opens up in the course of digitalization: Festo’s industrial app “Motion Insights Electric” allows signs of wear on the ELGD axes to be detected at an early stage and maintenance requirements to be automatically communicated to service or maintenance. The app can be integrated flexibly, for example directly on an industrial computer, and thus ensures smart monitoring during operation. In combination with the drive controllers from the Festo CMMT family, this enables predictive maintenance and high system availability.
Award-winning design
The ELGD electric spindle axis from Festo impresses with its compact design, high rigidity and seamless integration into industrial automation environments. In smart system architectures, movements can be controlled efficiently and maintenance can be designed with foresight. With its innovative design, the axis brought Festo a special award in the year of the company’s 100th anniversary: the Red Dot Award 2025.